By Joke Kujenya
THE LATE Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was buried Tuesday evening at his Daura residence, in a courtyard where he once sat in quiet reflection, now his final resting place.
His remains were lowered into the grave at exactly 5:42pm, following Islamic rites, concluding a day of solemn ceremony and national mourning.
Buhari’s body arrived earlier in Katsina from London aboard a Nigerian Air Force jet.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior officials accompanied the casket.
President Bola Tinubu joined the proceedings in person, along with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and a high-powered delegation from the Republic of Niger.
Katsina witnessed an extraordinary convergence of dignitaries, political allies, and military brass, with hotels across the metropolis reportedly filled to capacity since Monday.
The janaza prayer was conducted around 4:50 p.m. near the helipad close to Buhari’s home.
Chief Imam of Daura led the rites while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, delivered the official citation before a 21-gun salute echoed across the quiet town.
His son, Yusuf Buhari, performed the dust-to-dust ritual. No female family members were present at the burial site, in line with Islamic customs.
Pallbearers included senior officers from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, among them Major General M.T. Usman of the Guards Brigade and Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun.
The ceremonial transfer of the flag-draped coffin was guarded by heavy security presence, armoured vehicles, DSS operatives, and armed soldiers were deployed along all major access routes to Daura.
Thousands lined the streets to pay their final respects. The solemn procession from the Umaru Musa Yaradua International Airport to the burial site was watched in silence, broken only by whispered prayers.
From military ruler in the 1980s to two-term democratically elected president, Buhari’s political journey spanned decades, earning both national and international recognition.
Also in attendance were former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, the Sultan of Sokoto Sa’adu Abubakar, the Emir of Kazaure Ahmad Dangiwa, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and several current and former governors.
Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Zeine, arrived to represent President Mohamed Bazoum, symbolising Buhari’s enduring diplomatic footprint in the region.
The Federal Government had declared a public holiday for Tuesday, allowing Nigerians to honour the former leader’s passing.
Buhari, who died in London at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday following a prolonged illness, was 82.
His grave, constructed without ceramic lining, reflects traditional Islamic principles – dust to dust.
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